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World Languages Credit-by-Exam

ACPS World Languages Credit-by-Exam Overview

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2022-23 WORLD LANGUAGE CREDIT BY EXAM is now closed.

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) has a tremendous opportunity for students who are fluent in languages other than English.

ACPS students in grades 6-12 with the ability to comprehend and communicate in languages other than English now have the opportunity to earn up to three high school credits for world languages as the result of a new adopted school board policy and regulation.

ACPS students hail from 118 different countries and speak 120 different languages. This is a true gift to our schools and our community and one that gives our students the invaluable experience of being part of a global community within their own school division. 

Now, students who are fluent in languages other than English have the opportunity to earn high school credits towards the world languages requirement (see Program of Studies (PDF), p. 8) and towards the Virginia Diploma Seal of Biliteracy.

World Language Credit by Exam Administration

World Language Credit-by-Exam available tests.

  • Students in grades 9-12 have the option of taking the assessment in-person or virtually through remote proctoring. Students will take the assessments on January 23, 2023 at  Alexandria City High School King Street Campus in person.

  • Students in grades 6-8 must take the assessment in-person. Information about dates and times is shared through the individual schools. Students will take the assessment at their respective middle school. Dates and times will be shared through the individual schools. The administration dates will be in mid January 2023. 

  • Results of the assessments will be mailed to families as they become available and will be shared with counselors as soon as they become available. 

Please check back for upcoming exam dates or contact the main office. 

Where Can I Learn More?

Read the full list of frequently asked questions.

Students interested in earning credit-by-exam should first complete the self-assessment grid (PDF).

What the World Languages Credit-by-Exam Means for Students

Students in grades 6-12 are eligible to take a credit-by-exam assessment if they can read, write, speak and listen in the language of the exam being tested. Assessments are available in over 100 languages, including American Sign Language.

Students who are able to complete all work independently at the novice-high proficiency level or higher level on division-approved national or international assessments can earn up to three high school credits.

Credits earned go towards meeting the Virginia Department of Education world language requirements for the advanced diploma and also provide students the opportunity to meet the world language requirement for the highly regarded Virginia Diploma Seal of Biliteracy.

Initial Assessment is Free to Students

The first assessment taken for each credit (up to three) is FREE to ACPS students. Students may retake an assessment as many times as they choose, however, ACPS only pays for the first time.

Availability of Assessments

ACPS offers credit-by-exam assessments once per school year in the fall. Spring testing will be available for seniors needing world language credits to graduate.

Questions?

Please contact World Language Instructional Specialist Tanja Mayer-Harding at tanja.mayer-harding@acps.k12.va.us.